AUDITION ANNOUNCEMENT
ABQSTAGES presents
THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK
By Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett
Newly Adapted by Wendy Kesselman
Director: Hal Simons
Stage Manager: Reni Fitzgibbon
Auditions: December 19th, 2009
Rehearsals begin: On or around January 19th, 2010
Rehearsals generally Saturday/Sunday-Thursday
Performances: March 5-21, 2010 at The Filling Station, 1024 4th St SW
Performance Schedule: Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30, Sundays at 2:00 PM
IMPORTANT NOTE: There is the possibility of two or three daytime performances for student audiences. It is uncertain at the moment, but should be kept in mind when auditioning that actors might be required to be available for these. If these performances happen, a small stipend for these performances only will be provided.
Auditions will be held on Saturday, December 19th from 10 AM – 6 PM at the Main Public Library, 501 Copper SW, 87102 from 10:30 – 5:30 in the auditorium downstairs from the main level (look for signs to direct you.) Auditions will be from 10:30 1:00. Callbacks will be from 2:30 – 5:30. You must be available for these times, particularly if you are called back. This is currently the only day of auditions. You must sign up for an audition time by calling 515-9149. PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE LIBRARY FOR ANY REASON. We will do our best to give you the audition time of your choice, but as auditions will consist of readings from the script, you may be grouped with other actors around your requested audition times. Familiarity with the script and the roles you are interested in is highly encouraged. 2 Hours of free parking is available at the garage on Copper and 5th, but you must have the library validate your ticket. After two hours, you will be charged for parking. There are other parking options as well.
About the play and presentation
The Diary of Anne Frank is based on one of the most widely read books in history. It chronicles the true story of eight Jewish occupants of a tiny annex in Holland during the Nazi Occupation of World War Two, as seen through the eyes of a teenage girl. The time covered in the story is from 1942-1944.
ABQStages is presenting the play in conjunction with the New Mexico Human Rights Projects’ presentation of the Anne Frank Exhibit in Albuquerque from February 1 – March 31, 2010 at the Coronado Mall.
Roles and age ranges for actors (Director’s Note: Do not presume you are not right for a role because of your age – within reason, of course – or your ethnicity or race. Also, no accents are used in the performance of this play.)
ANNE FRANK: (Teens) Optimistic, generally cheerful and precocious, at times blissfully unaware of the pending danger surrounding the family being forced into hiding. Articulate, intelligent, funny. The revised script deals with her mixed emotions towards her mother, and the physical changes that occur as she develops as a woman during these years.
OTTO FRANK: (mid 40s-mid 50s) The head of the Frank family. The lone survivor of the eight annex occupants of the story. Realistic, pragmatic, organized, even-keeled. A loving father and husband, and a gentleman. Always the voice of reason.
EDITH FRANK (late 30s-early 50s) Wife of Otto, mother of Anne and Margot. Nervous, emotional. Easily upset and in a continual struggle to maintain. Confused and hurt by her Anne’s dislike of her. Fights a continual sense of dread.
MARGOT FRANK (Late teens-early 20s) Anne’s older sister. Quiet and obedient. An object of jealousy of Anne at times, but also very understanding of Anne’s age and character.
MRS. VAN DAAN (late 30s-early 50s) Capable of being fun and generous, but also territorial, unreasonable, and selfish. Unhappy in her marriage because of unrealistic expectations. Must still be a sympathetic character in spite of her annoyances. Eventually has a great moment of unselfishness and love towards her husband.
MR. VAN DAAN (40s-50s) Has difficulty not being petty and ungenerous. In general, a good man with a sharp sense of humor and temper.
PETER VAN DAAN (mid to late teens) Shy, quiet, studios. Low self-esteem. Has trouble communicating, especially with his parents. Eventually befriends Anne and opens his heart and soul.
MR. DUSSEL (40s to 60s) A dentist by trade. Frightened, with digestive issues. Longs for his common-law wife, who is not Jewish. Very nervous and uncomfortable in the cramped quarters. Tries very hard to be polite, and used to being a dapper gentleman in the outside world.
MIEP GIES (late twenties to late thirties) Works in Mr. Frank’s former factory. She is the link to the outside world. Cheery, strong, soulful. Unimpressed with her own bravery in risking her life to help.
MR. KRALER (late 30s to mid 40s) Also worked for Mr. Frank. Business-like, unemotional. Also unimpressed with his own bravery in his part in assisting.
THREE MEN (Ages flexible) The First Man is a Nazi Officer. The other two are Dutch Collaborators. These actors come in at the very end of the play, and have only a few lines in German between them. But they are essential and must be comfortable with playing these types, and also comfortable with the time commitment involved for very little stage time. A late call time for these actors will be established, and minimal time commitments for rehearsals will be established and adhered to.
Please call ABQStages at 515-9149 with any questions.